Brett Leonard Hosting Immersive Show At SXSW

Iconic filmmaker, Brett Leonard–who helped usher in the era of virtual reality with his hit film ‘Lawnmower Man’–will be treating VIP guests to the world’s first live-directed interactive group theatrical presentation as he debuts a sneak-peek of his latest groundbreaking project, ‘Hollywood Rooftop’ in a fully-immersive theater.

But what’s likely to draw the most attention will be the headlining act from iconic filmmaker and Studio Lightship co-founder, Brett Leonard(Lawnmower Man, Virtuosity), and the sneak preview of his latest pioneering VR project, Hollywood Rooftop.

While already having set a benchmark with its very creation (the project was shot simultaneously as both a VR series and 2D feature) Leonard will look, once again, to ride the bleeding edge of cinematic history by debuting one of the episodes—or ‘frags’ as the term has been coined—to a room full of people viewing at the same timewithout a VR headset; instead utilizing the world’s most advanced 360-degree video projector (from BroomX Technologies) to display the piece—the sum total of which will then constitute the first-ever live-directed interactive group theatrical presentation.

When asked about how this project can impact the VR industry:

Leonard states: “Our aim with Hollywood Rooftop is to inspire an ‘Immersive New Wave’ of storytelling in this emerging medium, combining classic cinematic technique with the intimacy afforded by Virtual Reality, allowing audiences to be more fully engaged with story, character, and emotion in an actual Immersive Movie experience.”

Rooftop producer, Mark Rickard adds: “What Brett did with this is light years ahead of what’s already out there. Using multiple forms of media to maximize a 360 environment is proving the most engaging way to tell a story—possibly in the history of filmed media. It truly must be seen to be believed.”

VR Lounge activates March 13 at the Capital Factory inside the downtown Omni hotel, with the VIP screening for Hollywood Rooftop to occur that evening. The writer and starring cast member of Hollywood Rooftop, Mona Lisa Moru, will also be present at the screening to discuss the project.